Ferns
There are a wide variety of ferns... ranging from feathery fronds such as that of a Bosten Fern to flat oddly shaped leaves like that of a Staghorn Fern. Some ferns are epiphytes (which get all of their nutrients and moisture from the air and rain) and others are terrestrial
Moisture - keep the soil moist and provide plenty of humidity
Light - medium to bright filtered light... full sun may damage the fronds and they don't perform well in homes with low light... if you have to place it in a low light location use plant lights
Temperature - average to warm temps
Fertilize - 3 times during the summer or with a dilute solution at every watering to force growth... use a 10-10-10 fertilizer
Pests - scales, spider mites, mealybugs
Repotting - repot them when the roots begin to push out of the pot... be sure to use a rich soil for terrestrial plant or use a coarse mix for epiphyte plants
Propagation - by division of the rhizomes or by spores
Tips - ferns reproduce by spores on the back sides of the leaves... the spore cases look somewhat like scale but it will be in a regular pattern unlike a scale infestation
Boston Fern ( Nephrolepsis Species) - This plant loves humidity!!! It will do well in a nicely light bathroom... It is a terrestrial fern.
Maidenhair fern (Adiantum species) - these ferns have a thin almost hairlike stems... they do best if they are allowed to slightly dry out between waterings
Sword Fern - (Nephrolepsis species) - terrestrial fern... needs rich soil that will retain moisture... they have long fronds with many leaflets... most commonly known type of ferns are from this species
Staghorn fern ( Platycerium bifurcatum) - this fern has large, gray-green fronds... it is a favorite of collectors... although they must be watered almost daily... they can be grown on sphagnum moss or a piece of bark
Rabbit's Foot Fern - ( Polypodium aureum) - it has long fronds and furry rhizomes (these will normally eventually hide the pot ) it needs constant moisture... this is one of my favorites!!!